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Films in History

51s

300,000 at Demonstration

300,000 people attend a demonstration at a Ulster Loyalist meeting in Omagh. A man is seen giving a speech on a podium to the huge crowd, some carrying Union flags and others with signs with place names on such as Ballycawley and Clocher. The termloyalistwas first used in Irish politics in the 1790s to refer to Protestants who opposedCatholic Emancipationand Irish independence from Great Britain.Upon thepartition of Irelandin 1921, six of the nine counties in the province ofUlsterdid not join the newly independentIrish Free State(later theRepublic of Ireland) and remained a part of theUnited Kingdom.

11m 32s

A Father’s Letter

On the eve of his execution on May 7th 1916, Michael Mallin’s two-year-old son Joseph was brought to see him in Kilmainham Gaol. That night, his father wrote a letter that would change Joseph’s life forever. In it he tells his family that he loves them and asks his little boy to be a priest. Funded by Fís Éireann/ Screen Ireland (formerly Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board), After ’16 is a creative response by Irish filmmakers to the events of Easter 1916. This collection of nine short films is a mixture of live-action, animation and documentary, telling stories from the eve of the Rising all the way to the Troubles in 1970s Northern Ireland and beyond.

54m 00s

Ár Dover Féin - The Louis Lentin Collection

In 1937, ten young men between the ages of 13 and 23 migrated from Achill Island, Co. Mayo to Kirkintilloch, near Glasgow in Scotland to work in the potato fields. Tragically, on the night of their arrival, a fire swept through their makeshift accommodation claiming all of their young lives. This documentary investigates the Kirkintillock tragedy and considers the plight of migrant workers over the years. This one-hour drama-documentary has won numerous awards including Second Prize Gold Plaque WorldFest Heuston, Certificate of Creative Excellence US International Film and Video Festival, John Healy Award and overall Media Award Carrick-Gold Festival. With kind permission of Dr. Ronit Lentin.

41s

Armistice Day Dublin

In this newsreel from November 11th 1924, 50,000 people gather at College Green in Dublin to honour the 35,000 Irish soldiers who died fighting in World War One. As wreaths are being laid out in front of a memorial, and men bow their heads to the 16th Irish Division, we are told a spontaneous rendition of “God Save The King” is sang as the Union Jack is raised over Parliament House (now Bank of Ireland).

8m 35s

A Terrible Hullabaloo

The story of young Vinny Byrne, a fourteen-year-old boy who found himself fighting for Ireland in the Easter Rising. An eighty-year-old Vinny reminisces on his time with the volunteers, which took him around the city during the fighting. With Vinny’s Dublin brought to life by handmade miniature sets and puppetry, the film offers a uniquely charming first-hand account of the 1916 Rising. Funded by Fís Éireann/ Screen Ireland (formerly Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board), After ’16 is a creative response by Irish filmmakers to the events of Easter 1916. This collection of nine short films is a mixture of live-action, animation and documentary, telling stories from the eve of the Rising all the way to the Troubles in 1970s Northern Ireland and beyond.

59s

A Wet Christmas in Howth / Nollaig Fhliuch i mBinn Éadair

Mr and Mrs Carr brave the cold waters at Balscadden Bay as onlookers cheer them on, in awe of this chilly Christmas tradition. Thug an tUasal Carr agus a bhean chéile aghaidh ar uisce fuar Bhá Bhaile Scadán agus lucht féachana á spreagadh, agus iad faoi gheasa ag an traidisiún fuar seo um Nollaig.

13m 37s

Baring Arms

There are many ways to commemorate the 1916 Rising, only one involves bloodshed. Funded by Fís Éireann/ Screen Ireland (formerly Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board), After ’16 is a creative response by Irish filmmakers to the events of Easter 1916. This collection of nine short films is a mixture of live-action, animation and documentary, telling stories from the eve of the Rising all the way to the Troubles in 1970s Northern Ireland and beyond.

13m 18s

Blessing the Aer Lingus Fleet - Radharc

Originally broadcast in 1962, this story from the Radharc series explains how Aer Lingus planes are named after Irish missionaries. It also shows the mechanics of the aircraft and marvels at how they transports passengers to their destination. The blessing of the planes, a tradition since 1947, is also featured here. Radharc was an independent production company established by Father Joe Dunn, Father Desmond Forristal and other like-minded priests to make programmes for television and non-theatrical exhibition. Between 1961 and 1996 they made over 400 films in 75 countries on social, political and religious issues.

36s

Cenotaph to Michael Collins

This newsreel filmed in August 1923, shows the unveiling of a Cenotaph to honour the memory of Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith marking the first anniversary of their deaths, is unveiled in Dublin. This was a wooden structure that contained plaster medallions of both men. By 1939 the structure had become dilapidated and with Finn Gael’s approval, Éamon de Valera had it dismantled. It was agreed that a permanent structure would be put in place in 1940 but due to the Second World War it would nine years before the new solid granite obelisk would stand.

43s

Christmas Cards Help World’s Refugees / Cártaí Nollag ag Cabhrú le Teifigh an Domhain

Oscar-winning actor Dame Margaret Rutherford visits Trinity College to help promote the launch of charity Christmas cards. Thug an t-aisteoir Oscar-bhuaiteach, Dame Margaret Rutherford, cuairt ar Choláiste na Tríonóide chun cabhrú le seoladh cártaí carthanachta na Nollag a chur chun cinn. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s first long-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition. With kind permission of Gael Linn. Léirithe ag Gael Linn, ba í Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) an chéad sraith dhúchasach de nuachtríleanna fadbhunaithe in Éirinn. Dháiltí iad ar phictiúrlanna ar fud na tíre leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Idir 1956 agus 1964, léiríodh 267 eagrán de na nuachtríleanna le taispeáint sa phictiúrlann. Le caoinchead ó Gael Linn.

47s

Christmas Day Swim / Snámh Lae Nollag

The freezing annual Dublin Swimming Club Christmas swim is underway at the Clontarf Baths. Tá snámh reoite bliantúil ag Club Snámha um Nollaig Bhaile Átha Cliath ar siúl ag Folcadáin Chluain Tarbh. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s first long-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition. With kind permission of Gael Linn. Léirithe ag Gael Linn, ba í Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) an chéad sraith dhúchasach de nuachtríleanna fadbhunaithe in Éirinn. Dháiltí iad ar phictiúrlanna ar fud na tíre leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Idir 1956 agus 1964, léiríodh 267 eagrán de na nuachtríleanna le taispeáint sa phictiúrlann. Le caoinchead ó Gael Linn.

3m 52s

Christmas in the City / An Nollaig sa Chathair

December 1963: Dublin is humming with excitement as crowds gather to see the Christmas lights and partake in some festive shopping. Mí na Nollaig 1963: Tá muintir Bhaile Átha Cliath lán sceitimíní agus na sluaite ag bailiú le chéile chun soilse na Nollag a fheiceáil agus siopadóireacht na féile a dhéanamh. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s first long-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition. With kind permission of Gael Linn. Léirithe ag Gael Linn, ba í Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) an chéad sraith dhúchasach de nuachtríleanna fadbhunaithe in Éirinn. Dháiltí iad ar phictiúrlanna ar fud na tíre leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Idir 1956 agus 1964, léiríodh 267 eagrán de na nuachtríleanna le taispeáint sa phictiúrlann. Le caoinchead ó Gael Linn.

3m 08s

Christmas Lights / Soilse na Nollag

Traffic in Dublin comes to a standstill as crowds gather on O’Connell Bridge to await Santa’s arrival, waterskiing up the Liffey. Tháinig stop leis trácht i mBaile Átha Cliath agus na sluaite ag bailiú ar Dhroichead Uí Chonaill le fanacht le teacht Daidí na Nollag agus é ag sciáil-uisce suas Abhainn Life. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s first long-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition. With kind permission of Gael Linn. Léirithe ag Gael Linn, ba í Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) an chéad sraith dhúchasach de nuachtríleanna fadbhunaithe in Éirinn. Dháiltí iad ar phictiúrlanna ar fud na tíre leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Idir 1956 agus 1964, léiríodh 267 eagrán de na nuachtríleanna le taispeáint sa phictiúrlann. Le caoinchead ó Gael Linn.

18m 12s

Christy Brown, My Left Foot - Radharc

This Radharc film originally aired in October 1962 and documents the life of the famous Irish painter and writer, Christy Brown. In the film, Father Peter Lemass visits Christy at home in Crumlin, talks with him and shows us his work. Christy Brown was born on 5th of June 1932 in Crumlin, Dublin, the tenth of 22 children born to a bricklayer and his wife. During infancy Christy was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a disability which caused him to have limited muscular control apart from his left foot. With the help of his family and devoted mother, Christy learned to read and write. During his teens he started to paint and wrote his autobiography My Left Foot (1954), which became an international literary sensation and was made into the 1989 Oscar-winning film, directed by Jim Sheridan and starring Daniel Day Lewis and Brenda Fricker. Radharc was an independent production company established by Father Joe Dunn, Father Desmond Forristal and other like-minded priests to make programmes for television and non-theatrical exhibition. Between 1961 and 1996 they made over 400 films in 75 countries on social, political and religious issues.

24s

Clock Tower Animation - The Horgan Brothers Collection

The Youghal Clock Tower is a light-hearted and playful exploration of the possibilities of animation in its infancy. In this short, the well-known landmark is depicted dancing into frame as the clock gate comes to life, spinning and dancing through the main street of the Cork town. It is likely that James Horgan was one of the earliest animators in Irish film history, as he experimented with film production techniques including stop-motion animation and the use of models, as well as retouching still photographs. The Horgan Brothers’ films (1910-1920) are some of the earliest moving images made in Ireland. The brothers were photographers who turned their attention to the moving image, eventually opening a cinema in their home town of Youghal, Co Cork. It was here they screened their newsreel-style films, which they named The Youghal Gazette.

3m 37s

Connemara’s Appeal

Following the War of Independence, the Civil War and economic depression, Ireland was in a ruinous state. Between 1923 and 1924, wages were cut by 16%, the old age pension was reduced by 10% and a seven day working week was introduced. For farmers, especially in the west of Ireland, harvests were particularly poor and animal stocks died in large numbers due to hunger related diseases and turf, the main fuel resource could not dry due to the wet damp weather. By the beginning of 1925, hundreds of thousands of people were in dire need. In this newsreel we get a glimpse of some of the struggles people in Connemara (considered one of the most impoverished regions) experienced. The conditions were so dire that, even with government aid grants of £500,000, these conditions resulted in many deaths and widespread suffering.

1m 02s

Curragh Stable Lads Strike

The early 1920s were a turbulent time for Ireland. Following the War of Independence and The Civil War, Ireland experienced a severe economic depression. Farmers in the west of Ireland were the most severely hit with poor harvest prospects and little to no employment prospects. One industry that was still thriving during these difficult economic times was Horse racing. In 1922 differences were briefly put aside during the Civil War to find the winner of the 1922 Irish Derby. Horse racing was still proving to be financially fruitful, however the downturn in the home economy had encouraged owners to reduce training fees. In this newsreel from the Curragh in 1924, the impact of the downturn in the economy is shown as stable boys sit on fence striking after having their wages cut.

1m 26s

Dublin Calling

Dublin 1925 and in this newsreel the press launch is taking place for the first broadcast Radio station in the Irish Free State, 2RN. The long wooden building (Nissen Hut) was home to the transmitter based in McKee Barracks beside the Phoenix Park at Blackhorse Avenue and their studio was located on Little Denmark Street (it would later move to the GPO in 1928). The name 2RN, is said to be inspired by the last three syllables of the song, “Come Back to Erin”.

3m 08s

Dublin Christmas Lights - Amharc Éireann: Eagrán 185

December 1962 and traffic in Dublin is at a standstill as crowds gather on O’Connell Bridge awaiting Santa’s arrival. Rudolph et al must have been resting for the big night as Santa chose a rather unorthodox method of transport – water skiing his way up the River Liffey to mark the beginning of the festivities. The streets were lit up with a canopy of fairy lights and each shop window was adorned with gifts and decorations. Shoppers bustled through Moore Street and Henry Street ready to snatch up a bargain as the children gazed at the classic toys and goodies on display. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s longest-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. The first 36 issues were produced as single-topic films which were released monthly, followed in 1959 by weekly, multi-story newsreels featuring a broad range of topics, from hard news stories to lighter magazine-style items. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition.

1m 31s

Dublin Shops Highlight Christmas / Siopaí Bhaile Átha Cliath ag tarraingt aird ar an Nollaig

Dubliners prepare for Christmas and visit Pim Brothers & Co department store to ride on ‘the magic gondola’ and visit Santa in his grotto. Muintir Bhaile Átha Cliath ag ullmhú don Nollaig agus cuairt tugtha acu ar shiopa ilrannach Pim Brothers & Co chun dul ar an ‘ghondala draíochta’ agus cuairt a thabhairt ar Dhaidí na Nollag ina uaimh. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s first long-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition. With kind permission of Gael Linn. Léirithe ag Gael Linn, ba í Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) an chéad sraith dhúchasach de nuachtríleanna fadbhunaithe in Éirinn. Dháiltí iad ar phictiúrlanna ar fud na tíre leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Idir 1956 agus 1964, léiríodh 267 eagrán de na nuachtríleanna le taispeáint sa phictiúrlann. Le caoinchead ó Gael Linn.

10m 58s

Faithful Departed

This short documentary draws on the photographs of Robert French from the William Lawrence Collection held in the National Library. The photos illustrate the Dublin of 1904 which served as a backdrop to James Joyce’s Ulysses. Directed in 1968 by renowned drama and documentary maker Kieran Hickey, the film traces Joyce’s childhood and adolescence, his meeting with Nora Barnacle on June 10th, 1904, and the highways and byways which Leopold Bloom wandered through on June 16th, 1904. The music in the film references some of Joyce’s favourite songs, many of which appear in Ulysses. With kind permission from Barry Lyons & Patrick Duffner.

44s

Fleet Visits Belfast

The British fleet visits Belfast “And Liberty men come ashore (“Liberty men” was the term used for navy soldiers who were allowed off the ship) Four destroyer war ships are seen anchored as sailors hang over the railings of a vessel, cheering to the camera. A passenger boat crowded with sailors passes the camera, the men clambering onto the quayside tilting the tug wildly as they disembark.

1m 13s

Free State or Republic

Scenes of Polling stations at the Irish general election are shown in this newsreel, where the main issue being voted on was whether the country should remain as a Free State or become a full Republic – the goal of de Valera’s Fianna Fáil party. Crowds of people gather on Marlborough Street and Free state soldiers stand guard at the exterior of a polling station. Inside, men are seen distributing ballots as the count progresses. General Richard Mulcahy, Minister for Defence is returned. At Stephen’s Green Mrs Charlotte Despard, noted republican and suffragette stands and speaks to camera. Ms Despard was sister of former Viceroy Lord French and president of the Women’s Freedom League. Final intertitle introduces young Vivian (sic properly Vivion) de Valera, son of Eamon. Richard Mulcahy was an army general and commander-in-chief for the Irish Republican Army. He later served in the cabinets of W. T. Cosgrave and John A. Costello. He fought in the 1916 Easter Rising, served as Chief of Staff of the Irish Republican Army during the War of Independence and became commander of the pro-treaty forces in the Irish Civil War after the death of Michael Collins. The uniform of General Mulcahy’s from 1922 is currently held by the National Museum of Ireland.

7m 12s

Glenties Tidy Towns - Radharc

The Tidy Towns competition established in Ireland in 1958 has proven to be a great initiative, bringing communities together and encouraging residents to look after their town and keep their locality tidy. Glenties in County Donegal is no stranger to the competition and has taken the crown for tidiest town in Ireland for three years in row. This short films shows what it takes to win and what sets Glenties residents apart from other towns in Ireland. Radharc was an independent production company established by Father Joe Dunn, Father Desmond Forristal and other like-minded priests to make programmes for television and non-theatrical exhibition. Between 1961 and 1996 they made over 400 films in 75 countries on social, political and religious issues.

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